Amber Sword

"Did he say that?"

Although the Grey Wolf Mercenary Group was attacked at night and had to retreat south due to the continuous onslaught of Black Fire Sect members and enemy mercenaries in the darkness, 'Mane Wolf' Macaro remained calm and composed as always. He directed the retreat in an orderly manner while reorganizing his forces along the way and regaining their combat effectiveness. Simply by doing this, he could be considered a legendary commander in these times.

In the forest -

He was as usual with Bujia, dressed in a fiery red uniform. This uniform was a carryover from the Predecessor King Era's Imperial Guard Cavalry Uniform. Macaro had once been the Imperial Guard Cavalry Captain, and this outfit had been his hallmark since then. Only because he was persecuted and left the army, the uniform no longer bore the epaulettes, cords, and insignias.

He held his sword - a commander-specific model of the 35 cavalry sword. This kind of sword in the past was the most popular weapon among level 30-40 swordsmen in the games, not because it was particularly strong but because of its high cost-effectiveness. This sword could be said to be the best among the magic longswords labeled under 'Brass' at around level thirty, and the quantity on the market was sufficient to make it popular.

However, Macaro did not seem worried about the approaching strong enemies at all. On the contrary, his eyebrows slightly raised, and his face remained calm. It was only when he heard Yura's words that his eyebrows arched slightly, and he asked this way.

Seeing Yura nod, Macaro turned back to ask Bujia, "To the east, it seems that young man named Brand is quite confident. Should we follow him?"

"Wait," Redi hurriedly interrupted him. This white-haired young man, though a member of the mercenary group, enjoyed much higher freedom compared to others. Otherwise, generally, no one would dare to interrupt like this. "Leader, our opponent is the Shepherd Tree Man! Shouldn't we retreat first and seek a more comprehensive plan? Since they have made such a fuss, they must be well prepared. If we stay here to fight them, wouldn't it be exactly what they want?"

His words were urgent and abrupt, but neither Macaro nor Bujia minded, as they were used to the young man's personality. Redi soon seemed to remember something and hurriedly asked, "By the way, is Ecco still in town? Might he be in danger?"

Macaro glanced at the young man and nodded, "You're right, Redi, but no one can guarantee the Grey Wolf Mercenary Group's safety even if we retreat to Chablis." He saw Yura lower her head, knowing the girl was worried about her loved one, and sighed, "In fact, both the Deputy Commander and I had anticipated that Conrad's plans might not be so simple. However, we dared to lure him here because we were prepared. As for Ecco... I don't know what he's discovered, but it's good for him to stay in town. Cabot is there to protect him, so you don't need to worry."

Bujia listened silently on the side, but this tall sword master suddenly raised his head towards one side of the forest. A blinding flash appeared in that direction, followed by a deafening explosion from behind the forest. The complexion of those present changed. Just as Redi was about to speak, someone among the mercenaries exclaimed:

"Seventh String, Thunder Sound!"

"Qian is in trouble!"

Bujia took down his giant sword with a 'click,' but then he quickly released it, staring gravely in that direction, "The fight is over."

"Qian, she..." Yura's face turned pale.

"I'll go save her!" Redi seemed to finally react, immediately unsheathing his longsword and rushing towards that direction. But Macaro grabbed his shoulder, making the young man unable to move.

"Stop."

"Leader...?"

Macaro said nothing but frowned for the first time, staring at the forest in that direction with a grave expression. In no time, shadowy figures began to emerge from the woods. A few more distant agonizing screams echoed, sounding like humans or some other beast's final cries. The mercenaries at the forest edge quickly gasped and retreated.

Because in the south, southwest woods, countless Black Fire Sect believers suddenly appeared. As they advanced, the heavy chains on their feet and hands scraped and swept through the underbrush, making a clinking sound, which in the otherwise tranquil forest, seemed particularly eerie.

The north was merely a feint; the enemies were ambushed in the south—